Stephen Bradley was in pragmatic mood after his side’s narrow 1-0 win over Finn Harps in the Extra.ie FAI Cup first round tie at the Tallaght Stadium. “The tempo of the game was slow. The most important thing is that we’re in the next round round –
Stephen Bradley was in pragmatic mood after his side’s narrow 1-0 win over Finn Harps in the Extra.ie FAI Cup first round tie at the Tallaght Stadium.
“The tempo of the game was slow. The most important thing is that we’re in the next round round – obviously we weren’t this time last year,” said Bradley after Dan Carr’s first half goal had seen off a spirited Donegal side.
The attendance was down from the heady recent Europa League nights and Bradley felt this might have been a factor. “You could see that with the flat crowd. We had chances early on to go two or three ahead and we didn’t. When you don’t take your chances, they always have a chance of getting something.”
The Rovers’ boss felt it was far from his charges’ best performance of the season but the objective was achieved. “We were really comfortable in the game, without being good. Overall, we were just okay in everything we did. In cup games, it’s important you’re in the next round, however you do it.”
Bradley paid tribute to the match winner. “Great finish. Great run from Dan – timed it really well and I think two touches later it’s in the back of the net. I’m delighted for him.”
Finn Harps were pinned back into their own half for much of the match but gave Bradley some cause for concern late on. “Second half we had a couple of chances as well. Like I said we had enough chances throughout the game to win more comfortably. They had a chance at end, hit the post. Overall I’m happy with the win.”
Bradley was delighted to welcome Graham Burke for his second spell with the club, on loan from Preston North End. “Great to get Graham back on the pitch. At times you could see his class and his quality.”
Rovers are still chasing Dundalk for the league title but the FAI Cup (which hasn’t rested in the Rovers trophy cabinet since 1987) is a clear target for the Hoops’ supremo. “It’s important to have a chance of winning something; you push as hard as you can. Obviously this Cup gives us a chance to do that.
